Energy Drinks are beverages that contain caffeine along with other ingredients that are said to promote energy
First energy drinks were formulated in the 1960’s in Europe and Asia
Energy drinks were designed to provide carbohydrates and promote health by adding vitamins and minerals
Various different blends of energy drinks ranging from shots and powders to canned beverages
There are more than 200 different kinds of energy drinks on the market today
Target consumer for energy drinks has gradually changed from athletes to young adults
The goal of energy drinks is to improve energy and mental awareness
Some ingredients in various energy drinks are being reviewed because of concerns with the safety of their use
When caffeine is consumed in the body it blocks adenine receptors decreasing the feeling of tiredness
Caffeine is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract after being ingested
Consumption Caffeine was found to has positive outcomes such as increased reaction time, energy, and alertness
As long as caffeine is ingested in moderation and not higher dosages it has not been linked to having negative side effects
Taurine, another ingredient used in energy drinks, is an amino acid that can be found in our body as well as present in other food items
Energy drinks are incorporating taurine in larger amounts in the formulas
Some benefits have been associated with the use of taurine
More research needs to be conducted on taurine
Very large quantity of taurine can be found in energy drinks but studies have shown it does not lead to negative effects
Guarana is a South American plant that seeds have been found to contain large amounts of caffeine
Is used largely in energy drinks because of the caffeine and other components it has been found to contain
Ginseng is a plant that has been used for centuries in east Asian culture for medicinal purposes
Yerba mate is a South American plant that has been used because of its contents and connections to various health benefits
The plant has also been found to be linked to reducing obesity
Yerba mate has also been found to contain large amounts of caffeine and has been linked to various health concerns
The environment in which Yerba mate is consumed in can be connected to the negative health concerns
B-vitamins can also be found in energy drinks in amounts much greater than the FDA Recommended Daily Allowance
The purpose of B-vitamins is to improve mental alertness
B-2, B-3, B-6, and B-12 are the common B vitamins that are used in the energy drink formulations
Ginkgo Balboa is a plant that is said to promote memory and concentration but the amount found in energy drinks is so small that it does not seem to have a positive effect
L-Carnitine is an amino acid said to promote metabolism and energy levels
Glucuronolactone is a component naturally occurring in the body from glucose and can be found to aid in detoxification
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found to give energy to muscles
Acai Berry is a plant located in South America that has lots of anti-oxidants, but many benefits have not been scientifically proven
Milk Thistle is not a popular ingredient found in many energy drinks but has been found in large doses to contribute to liver detoxification
L-Theanine is an amino acid from tea leaves and is connected to increasing mental concentration
All of the ingredients that energy drinks contain are for the purpose of stimulating the brain and body but more research needs to be done of the actual effects of various chemical reactions
Assignment 2: Article Summary
Article Title: Energy Drinks: Composition and Health Benefits
by: I. Yunusa and I.M. Ahmad
http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bajopas.v4i2.38